Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. received a $848,141 Project Grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), effective July 1, 2026, with completion targeted for March 31, 2031. The award supports a comprehensive research initiative focused on developing and validating Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging as a diagnostic tool for coronary microvascular dysfunction (MVD), a condition affecting up to 50% of angina patients without obstructive coronary artery disease. The research will establish CMR-based diagnostic criteria using invasive coronary function testing as a reference standard, evaluate the comparative diagnostic accuracy of CMR versus Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, and assess the therapeutic potential of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in improving coronary microvascular function.

The project leverages advanced CMR technology, artificial intelligence-driven image enhancement, and multiparametric tissue characterization to deliver noninvasive diagnostic and monitoring capabilities for MVD. By providing a more accessible, cost-effective alternative to invasive testing and PET imaging, this research addresses a significant clinical need in diagnosing and managing a prevalent condition associated with myocardial ischemia, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, obesity, and diabetes. The study outcomes will generate evidence-based CMR protocols and clinical guidance to improve diagnosis and patient monitoring across diverse patient populations.